Method and inspection device for testing containers

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for testing bottles or the like containers ( 1 ) filled with a bulk material and mechanically closed by means of a container closure ( 2 ), the container closures ( 2 ) each comprising an original security ring ( 4 ) held on said container ( 1 ) in the closed state thereof in an interlocking and/or force-fit manner, such that opening the container ( 1 ) is possible only by separating and/or destroying the originality security ring ( 4 ), characterised in that the containers ( 1 ) are tested by means of at least one optoelectronic sensor system ( 10 ) after filling and closing for intactness of the originality security element ( 4 ).

The invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and to an inspection device according to the preamble of claim 11.

It is common and well known practice to close filled containers at their respective container opening with a container closure which is simultaneously also provided with a security element, which assures the quality and originality of the respective product and is therefore referred to henceforth as the originality security element. When the containers are closed mechanically, the originality security element interlocks on the respective container, so that it is only possible to open the container and/or the container closure by detaching the originality security element from the closure and/or destroying this element, as a result of which the opening of the container is indicated with certainty and without doubt.

In the case of container closures which can be processed mechanically, in particular in the case of cap-type closures for bottles or similar containers, the originality security element usually comprises a quality or originality security ring, which is provided e.g. on the open side of the cap-type container closure or of the closure body and which, on application of the container closure to a container, for example when the container closure in the form of a screw closure is screwed on, engages from behind in the area of its container opening and/or on its container neck in an interlocking manner.

Especially, too, in the case of screw closures for mechanical closure of containers, it is known to produce the respective originality security ring in a single piece with the closure body of the container closure and thereby to provide at least one ring-shaped predetermined break line between the originality security ring and the closure body, and also to design the originality security ring in such a way that it consists of several ring segments, which are connected to each other by means of pre-determined breaking sections. The predetermined break lines and sections are, for example, formed by reducing the material thickness and/or by perforation, so that when opening the container closure, not only is the originality security ring detached from the closure cap, but this security element is also damaged.

Since originality security elements are thus constructively designed such that they are destroyed when stressed, it is impossible to completely prevent security elements being damaged in isolated cases even during the mechanical closure of containers, which then leads to irritation and complaints etc. in the trade and from consumers, and also to increased costs. Damage of this kind to the originality security elements is thus undesirable.

The problem of the invention is to demonstrate a method with which irritations and complaints due to damaged originality security elements on containers can be reliably prevented. To solve this problem, a method according to claim 1 has been devised. An inspection device for carrying out this method is the subject matter of claim 11.

Refinements, advantages and potential applications of the invention can also be derived from the following description of embodiments and from the figures. At the same time, all of the features described and/or illustrated are, per se, or in any combination, in principle the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or back references thereto. The content of the claims is also made an integral part of the description.

The invention will next be explained in more detail with the aid of the figures, on the basis of one embodiment. The figures show:

FIG. 1 in simplified partial diagram form and in section, a container closure with originality security ring arranged on a container or bottle mouth;

FIG. 2 in top view, an inspection device according to the invention for testing the originality security rings of closed containers;

FIG. 3 the inspection device from FIG. 2 in perspectival view;

FIG. 4 a section along the line I-I in FIG. 2.

In the figures, 1 refers to containers in the form of bottles, which are preferably made from a light-permeable or translucent material, e.g. from glass or a translucent plastic (for example PET) and following filling with a bulk product, for example with a beverage, have each been closed with a cap-type container closure 2, for example by screwing on the container closure 2 or the closure body 3 thereof onto an external thread on a container neck 1.1.

Each container closure 2 consists in known fashion of the cap-type closure body 3 and an originality security ring 4, which is produced integrally with the closure body 3 via a ring-shaped predetermined break line 5 concentrically surrounding a closure and container axis BA, said break line being formed by a perforation with several slit-like breaks arranged in sequence along the predetermined break line 5, and is made for example of plastic or a metallic material. The originality security ring 4 is provided on the inside with several projections or catches 6, which are arranged distributed around the axis of the closure and engage from behind in a positive fit with a ring-type projection 7 which stands away from the perimeter area of the container mouth 1, so that it is only possible to open the container 1 by at least partially separating the originality security ring 4 along the predetermined break line 5 and/or by at least partially destroying the originality security ring 4.

Since the container closures 2 are designed in such a way that their originality security rings 4 are destroyed as described above when opened, i.e. under the stress which then occurs, it occasionally happens, in the case of mechanical closure of containers 1, that the originality security ring 4 is damaged during the closure process, for example while being screwed onto the container neck 1.1, and this gives the impression that the container concerned has already been opened.

In the figures, the number 8 generally refers to an inspection device, with which the containers 1, after filling and closure, are checked with respect to the intactness of the originality security rings 4 on the container closures. In this case, the inspection of the containers and/or of the originality security rings 4 preferably takes place before each closed container 1 is passed on for further processing, for example to a labelling machine, to a machine for placing the containers 1 in transport crates (bottle crates) and/or to form multipacks of several containers, etc. Consequently, it is especially advantageous if the check of the intactness of the originality security rings 4 takes place prior to delivery or shipping of the filled and sealed containers 1 to customers, for example to drinks outlets, etc.

For the check, the containers 1, for example standing upright on a conveyor 9, i.e. with their container axis BA vertically oriented, are moved continuously or in pulses in a transport direction A through the inspection device 8 and thereby also through a measurement and control position 8.1 of this device, at which (measurement and control position) the respective originality security ring 4 is captured by an optoelectronic sensor system 10, so that the image data delivered by this sensor system 10 can be processed as actual data in an image-processing system 11 comprised or aided by a computer. This involves evaluating the actual data delivered by the sensor system 10 on each checked originality security ring 4. For example, the actual data delivered on each checked originality security ring 4 is compared with target data or values stored in a memory of the image processing system 11. If a fault is found on an originality security ring 4, the image processing system 11, for example, triggers a fault signal, which then leads e.g. to the container 1 with the closure with the faulty originality security ring 4 being expelled from the product line of a plant which has the inspection device 8.

In detail, the inspection device 8 in the embodiment shown has a two-part housing 12, in which the sensor system 10 is housed and which essentially consists of a solid housing lower part 13 and a housing upper part 14, which is detachably fixed to the housing lower part 13 via toggle fasteners 15. The housing lower part 13 is relatively solid by design, in the form of a trough, with a square base 16 and a perimeter wall 17. The housing part 14 closing off the housing part 13 on the open upper side is designed in the form of a hood, with a square upper wall 18 and a perimeter wall 19.

The housing 12, which is thus square in top view, is arranged with four foot elements 20 each designed as a hollow cylinder, with its housing underside formed by the base 16, above the movement path of the containers 1 moved through the inspection device 8. The foot elements 20 are located to the side of the conveyor 9 in the area of the corners of the square base 16. Also, the arrangement is made in such a way that two perimeter sides of the housing 12 are oriented parallel to the transport direction A of the conveyor 9 and two perimeter sides of the housing 12 are oriented perpendicularly to the transport direction A.

An electronic camera 22 with lens system 23 is arranged on a supporting frame 21 in the interior of the housing 12, and this is done in such a way that the camera 22 and the lens system 23 are oriented with their optical axis OA vertically. The optical axis OA forms the axis of symmetry of the sensor systems 10 and also the axis of the measurement and control position 8.1 in the form that each container 1 which has reached this measurement and/or control position 8.1, is arranged with its container axis BA coaxial, or essentially coaxial with the axis OA.

In the embodiment shown, also, the point of intersection of the diagonals of the square housing base 16 and the point of intersection of the connecting lines between the axes of those foot elements 20 which lie diagonally opposite each other in relation to the square housing base 16, likewise lie on the optical axis OA.

Underneath the camera 22, with the lens system 23 directed at the housing base 16 and at a distance from it in the vertical direction, an optical beam deflection element in the form of a multi-mirror 24 is provided, which has four mirror surfaces 24.1 on its mirror body, which is designed in the shape of a pyramid with a square base. The multi-mirror 24 is arranged with its axis in the optical axis OA so that each mirror surface 24.1 lies opposite and at a distance from a mirror surface 25.1 of a mirror 25, which is arranged inside the housing 12 and above one of the foot elements 20. The mirror surface 25.1 lies opposite the mirror surface 26.1 of a mirror 26 which is arranged in the respective foot element 20 behind a window 27 provided in this foot element and sealed off by a protective pane made from a transparent material, for example glass. An opening 28 in the base 16 is provided between the two beam deflection elements or mirrors 25 and 26.

The respective mirror 26 and its mirror surface 26.1 are located at a height level N, at which the originality security rings 4 on the containers 1 to be checked are moved through the measurement and/or control position 8.1. Via the mirror surfaces 24.1, 25.1 and 26.1, the beams imaging the respective originality security ring 4 at the measurement and/or control position 8.1 are each subjected to multiple deflection by 90°, so that a ray path arises, starting from the measurement and/or control position 8.1, radially outwards firstly in relation to the optical axis OA, subsequently by deflection at the mirror surface 26.1 parallel to the optical axis OA upwards through the opening 28 at mirror surface 25.1, from this, in relation to the optical axis OA, radially inwards to one of the mirror surfaces 24.1, where it is deflected into the lens system 23 of the camera 22. Due to the arrangement of the mirrors 26, an image is captured of the originality security rings 4 from the side. With corresponding design of the sensor system 10 or with corresponding arrangement of the mirrors 26, it is also possible to capture the originality security rings 4 in another viewing direction, for example at an angle from above or at an angle from below.

In the foot element 20, under the mirror 26, behind the window 27 and hence likewise protected against contamination, a light source 29 is provided which emits an intensely focused light beam 30. This is directed upwards at an angle, starting from the light source 29 and intersects the optical axis OA. The light beam 30 illuminates the respective container closure 2, at least on its area with the originality security ring 4 on the inside of the container closure, and in fact through the container 1 and in certain cases, depending on the application, also through the bulk product contained in the container 1, thus from the inside of the container 1, so that seen from the outside of the container, the container closure 2 and thus in particular the originality security ring 4 appear to be lit from behind. In order to achieve this, the light beam 30 preferably impinges in a direction on the side of the originality security ring 4 facing towards the interior of the container, said direction being coaxial with the optical axis of the mirror 26 of the respective mirror system formed by the mirrors 25 and 26, or else encloses an angle considerably smaller than 90° with this optical axis.

The mirror arrangement formed by the mirrors 25 and 26 is provided four-fold, i.e. a mirror 25 is arranged over each foot element 20 and the opening 28 provided there, to which a mirror 26 is assigned in the foot element 20. Furthermore, in each foot element 20 a light source 29 is provided to emit the intensely bundled light beam 30, and in such a way that the container closure 2 of the respective container 1 located at the measurement and/or control position 8.1 is lit from behind by the light source 29 in the area of its originality security ring 4 for imaging via one respective mirror 26, said light source being provided in the foot element 20 located diagonally opposite this mirror 26.

By pivoting the light source 29, the beams 30 can be adjusted in such a way that as a result of this adjustment, the refraction which these light beams 30 undergo when entering the respective container 1 at its surface or perimeter area and also on the interface between the container wall and the liquid bulk product, can be taken into account for an optimal illumination of the originality security rings 4 from behind.

Due to the illumination of the originality security rings 4 from behind, i.e. from the inside of the respective containers 1, the backlight thus generated gives rise to an especially contrast-rich 360° image of the respective originality security ring 4 captured with the camera 22 via the mirrors 24, 25 and 26 and hence makes it possible to reliably determine any faults or damage on originality security rings 4 in the image processor 11. The illumination of the respective originality security ring 4 from behind also leads i.a. to especially contrast-rich and clear images, because the container closures 2 usually consist of a material which is non-translucent or the translucency of which is considerably less than the material from which the containers 1 are made.

The invention has been described above on the basis of one embodiment. It goes without saying that numerous modifications and alterations are possible. So it has been assumed above that the intensely bundled light beams 30 are generated by light sources 29 which are arranged at the side of the container located respectively at the measurement and/or control position 8.1, and in such a way that the light beams 30 strike the respective container 1 or its perimeter wall at an angle from below, and in fact in the upper area of the container 1, e.g. in the area of the container shoulder or container breast. In principle, embodiments are also possible in which the respective originality security ring 4 to be checked is illuminated from behind through the container base. It is also possible to provide several light sources 29 to illuminate that area of the originality security ring 4 which is to be captured with the camera 22 or with another optoelectronic sensor unit.

It has been assumed above that the optoelectronic system for capturing the condition of the respective originality security ring 4 is a camera system with an electronic camera 22. Obviously, this system may also have several electronic cameras or consist of a system with which the respective originality security ring 4 and its condition are optically captured in some other way, for example by scanning with at least one laser beam, etc.

The optical beam deflection elements to achieve a 360° capture or 360° image of the respective originality security ring 4 have been described above as mirrors 24, 25 and 26. However, other optical beam deflection elements can also be used.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

-   1 container -   1.1 container neck -   2 container closure -   3 cap-type closure body -   4 originality security ring -   5 predetermined break line -   6 catch on originality security ring 4 -   7 ring-like projection on container neck 1.1 -   8 inspection device -   8.1 measurement and/or control position -   9 conveyor -   10 sensor system -   11 image processing system -   12 housing -   13 housing lower part -   14 housing upper part -   15 rapid closure -   16 base -   17 perimeter wall -   18 upper wall -   19 perimeter wall -   20 foot element -   21 supporting frame -   22 camera -   23 lens system -   24 mirror element -   24.1 mirror or reflective surface -   25 mirror -   25.1 mirror or reflective surface -   26 mirror -   26.1 mirror or reflective surface -   27 window -   28 opening -   29 light source -   30 bundled light beam -   BA container axis -   OA optical axis -   N height level 

1. A method for testing containers filled with a bulk material and mechanically closed by a container closure having an originality security element held on said container in a closed state thereof in an interlocking and/or force-fit manner such that opening the container is possible only by separating and/or destroying the originality security element, said method comprising: after the containers have been filled and closed, using at least one optoelectronic sensor system to test the closed containers for intactness of their respective originality security elements.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein using the sensor system to test the closed containers comprises: using at least one optoelectronic sensor of the optoelectronic sensor system, capturing an image of the originality security element.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein capturing the image of the originality security element comprises: capturing a 360° image of the originality security element.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein capturing the image of the originality security element comprises using several optical beam deflection elements to simultaneously illuminate several areas of the originality security element, and capturing light from said several areas with a single optoelectronic sensor.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein using at least one optoelectronic sensor system comprises illuminating the originality security element for image capture using at least one light beam from at least one light source.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: directing the at least one light beam emitted from the light source at the container in such a way that the beam strikes an area of the container lying opposite an area of the originality security element on the perimeter of the container, said area being an area whose image is to be captured by the at least one optoelectronic sensor.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein: the direction of the at least one light beam at least outside the container with a container axis and/or an axis of the container closure encloses an angle of less than 90°, which opens towards a container base lying opposite the container closure, and/or that the direction of the at least one light beam is selected such that this, taking into account the refraction at the container wall and/or at the interface between the container wall and the bulk product, directly or by reflection, strikes the inner surface of the container on the back side of the originality security element.
 8. The method of claim 5, further comprising directing the light beam for illuminating the original security element toward a base of the container.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising expelling containers with defective originality security elements in response to a signal from the image processing system.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the originality security element to be an originality security ring provided on a cap-type closure body.
 11. An apparatus for testing containers filled with a bulk material and mechanically closed by a container closure, the container closures having an originality security element held on said container in a closed state thereof in an interlocking and/or force-fit manner, such that opening the container is possible only by separating and/or destroying the originality security element, said apparatus comprising: at least one transport element for moving containers to a measurement and/or control position, and an optoelectronic sensor system configured to capture the image of at least a partial area of the originality security element of a container located at the measurement and/or control position.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the optoelectronic sensor system is further configured to capture a 360° image of the originality security element.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the optoelectronic sensor system comprises an optical system with multiple beam deflection element and a common optoelectronic sensor, to simultaneously capture images of multiple partial areas of the respective originality security element or images of the original security element as a whole.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the optical system is laterally offset with respect to the measurement and/or control position and wherein the optical system comprises: a first optical beam deflection element, and at least a second optical beam deflection element following the first optical beam deflection element along a beam path, wherein the first and second beam deflection elements are distributed at multiple points about the measurement and/or control position, between the second beam deflection elements and the optoelectronic sensor, at least a third optical beam deflection element, for receiving light from the first and second beam deflection elements, the third beam deflection element being arranged to direct light along an optical axis of the optoelectronic sensor, the optical axis being aligned with an axis of a container disposed on the measurement and/or control position.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising at least one light source for emitting light for illuminating the originality security element.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the at least one light source is directed to illuminate containers located at the measurement and/or control position in such a way that the originality security element is illuminated by light reflected from the inside of the containers.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein underneath the first optical beam deflection element there is provided at least one light source for emitting at least one light beam, and that the direction of the respective light beam lies in a common plane with the axis of the measurement and/or control position and/or encloses an angle of less than 90° with this axis, which opens towards a plane on which the containers are moved through the inspection device with their container bases located opposite the respective container closure.
 18. An inspection device according to claim 14, wherein the first beam deflection element and/or the light source are each housed in a pillar-type foot element arranged to the side of a movement path of the containers, said pillar-type foot element supporting a housing, arranged above the movement path of the containers, to accept at least the at least one optoelectronic sensor.
 19. A facility for at least filling, closing, labelling and packaging of containers, said facility comprising, arranged therein in a direction of transport of the containers upstream of a machine for packaging at least one transport element for moving containers to a measurement and/or control position, and an optoelectronic sensor system to capture an image of a respective partial area of each container located at the measurement and/or control position, the optoelectronic sensor system being configured to capture an image of at least a partial area of an originality security element of a container located at the measurement and/or control position.
 20. The method of claim 5, wherein illuminating the originality security element comprises illuminating the originality security element with light reflected from the interior of the container. 